The Wegovy pill is, as its name implies, the pill form of the weight loss treatment Wegovy. 

The Wegovy pill has not been approved for use in the UK and is currently unavailable. 

On this page, we’ll cover: 

• What is the Wegovy pill – How it works and how it assists weight loss 

• Why the Wegovy pill isn’t available – What approvals are necessary 

• Wegovy pill side effects – Possible adverse effects from testing 

What is the Wegovy pill? 

The Wegovy pill is the tablet form of Wegovy, which is used to assist in weight management. These contain the same active ingredient as Wegovy, semaglutide, and act in the same way to help patients lose weight. 

When will Wegovy pills be available in the UK? 

It’s not currently known when the Wegovy pill will be available in the UK.  

While the treatment is available in the US, it will need to be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before it can be made available for healthcare providers in the UK. 

If this information changes, we will update this page with the expected launch window for the treatment. 

How does the Wegovy pill work? 

The semaglutide in the Wegovy pill is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it mimics the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which is normally found in the intestine and released when you eat. It’s used to stimulate insulin secretion and can affect appetite. 

By imitating the effects of GLP-1, semaglutide can: 

• Reduce your appetite and reduce ‘food noise’ 

• Slow how long it takes for food to leave the stomach (increasing how long you feel full) 

• Increase insulin secretion when blood sugar levels are high 

Overall, this encourages you to eat less. This could help you lose weight combined with healthy changes to your lifestyle like a reduced-calorie diet and increasing the amount of regular exercise you do. 

How long does the Wegovy pill take to work? 

Wegovy can start to affect your appetite and cravings within the first few weeks. It can take longer for noticeable effects on weight loss, though this can be helped by the healthy lifestyle changes mentioned in the section above. 

Who can take the Wegovy pill? 

Currently the Wegovy pill is unavailable in the UK. 

If approved, as a prescription-only medicine (POM) you would only be able to be prescribed Wegovy pill if it’s suitable for you. It is not an appropriate treatment for everyone. 

Currently, Wegovy is discouraged if: 

• You suffer from severe digestive problems like gastroparesis 

• You are allergic to semaglutide 

• You are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding 

How do you take Wegovy pills? 

Wegovy pills should be taken: 

• Once a day 

• First thing in the morning on an empty stomach 

• At least 30 minutes before you eat / drink / take any other medication 

• Swallowed whole with a small sip of water 

New patients will start on the lowest dose of the treatment and increase after a 30-day period until they’re on the maximum dose. This is done to gradually allow your body to get used to the medication and reduce the chance of suffering from side effects. 

Wegovy pill dosages and dosing schedule 

The dosages for Wegovy are: 

How much do Wegovy pills cost? 

The Wegovy pill hasn’t been approved for sale in the UK, so it doesn’t currently have a listed cost. 

How effective is the Wegovy pill for weight loss? 

Initial clinical trials have shown reductions in body weight, though as the treatment is still in testing. As such there are no final results on how effective the tablets are for weight loss.  

What are the differences between Wegovy injections and Wegovy pills? 

The main differences between Wegovy as an injection and as a pill are: 

• How they’re taken 

• How often they’re taken – the injection weekly, the pill daily 

• Available dosage strength 

Both treatments have the same active ingredient (semaglutide) and work in the same way once they’ve been taken. 

Can I switch from the Wegovy injection to the Wegovy pill? 

It’s not yet known if it is safe to switch from one Wegovy treatment to the other. 

Wegovy pill side effects 

As the pill has not been approved in the UK, its full safety profile has not yet been established by the MHRA. 

Side effects were reported by patients on the clinical trials for the Wegovy pill. The most common of these was adverse gastrointestinal effects, which 74% of patients suffered from (compared to 42.2% on placebo). 

Other very common side effects of Wegovy (i.e. those that may affect more than 1 in 10 people) include: 

• Feeling and being sick 

• Diarrhoea 

• Constipation 

• Stomach pain 

• Headaches 

• Feeling weak / tired 

Some side effects may improve as the body adjusts, but patients should seek clinical advice if side effects are severe, persistent or concerning. 

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) include: 

• Dizziness 

• Upset stomach 

• Burping and gas 

• Bloating or inflamed stomach 

• Indigestion, reflux or heartburn 

• Gallstones 

• Hair loss 

• Changes to skin sensation 

• Low blood sugar 

• Change in the way food and drink tastes 

If you experience side effects, talk to your doctor or a clinician. For less common possible side effects, consult the patient information leaflet for Wegovy.